REVELATION KNOWLEDGE

Scripture:
"It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." (John 6:45)

The Old Testament prophets prophesied of a new covenant where we would all be taught of God. This is speaking of revelation knowledge that comes from within, through our spirit. Under the Old Covenant, God dealt with the Jews through the outer man. He did this because an Old Covenant man (who was not born again) could not perceive the spiritual truths revealed in the New Covenant by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:14). This difference between the old and new covenants is the reason why there had to be two covenants.

The Old Testament man was comparable to a child in his ability to grasp spiritual truth. It is impossible to explain spiritual truth to a young child, and yet, a child must be restrained from submitting to evil. So, the Word of God teaches us to use the "rod of correction" (Prov. 13:24; 19:18; 22:15). The child may not understand resisting the devil, and yet, when the devil tries to entice him to steal, he will say "No!" because he fears he will get the rod if he does steal. Likewise, Old Testament saints were restrained from sin by a fear of the wrath and punishment of God. This curbed sin, but it also hindered them from receiving the goodness and love of God (1 Jn. 4:18).

Under the New Testament, which Jesus is speaking of in this verse, the punishment for our sins was laid on Him. We no longer serve God out of fear of punishment like once we did when we were "children" under the law, but we serve Him out of love; because He has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, making us His sons. We serve Him because our nature has been changed through the new birth. Today, be taught of God through the indwelling presence of Christ.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for living in us and for giving us salvation and your Spirit. Help us to walk by the Spirit and make us usable to serve you by loving and helping others.

(http://www.awmi.net/devotion/jesus/may_14)

Like a mist?

Scriptures: What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)

A sister in our church went home to be with the Lord last week. On the Saturday before last, she was not feeling well. By Sunday night, she was really uncomfortable. So her son took her to the emergency room. By midnight that night, she was admitted into ICU.

Monday was a busy day for her. She went through exams and tests all day long. Still, in spite of her pain, she talked to visitors and was able to cooperate with medical staff treating her with smiles, doctors and nurses alike. They suspected something to do with cancer, but nothing concrete.

On Tuesday morning, she was talking to the nurse at about 7 am in good spirit. But, by 8 am, she had gone home to be with the Lord. From the time she checked into the hospital till the time she left to be with our Lord, it was not even 36 hours. People were shocked because everything happened so fast!

Some, like our pastor, got the news Monday and were able to go to see her that very day. Others did not get the news of her sickness until later Monday and were thinking about going to see her the next day. But, they were only able to see her family in grief and shock, not her.

Many grieved the loss of a bright and helpful sister. Youth remembered how thoughtful she was to them in her selfless giving of time and energy for them. Others remembered how wisely she had been in affirmation of others’ gifts and contributions. Still others simply immersed themselves in the loving moments they shared in life.

In the reception after the memorial service, I asked a doctor sitting next to me his thoughts on possible causes for her death as it was still unknown, he sighed and simply said, “It’s God’s timing.” Upon hearing that, everyone around the table fell silent. I couldn’t help remembering what James said in his epistle, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)

It’s sobering to be reminded of our vulnerability and of that we can be called back home at a moment’s notice. But, something her son said in the service stuck to my mind. He said, “With my Mom’s personality, I am sure she would want this occasion to be one celebrating her life for she was that kind of person, passionate to people, always making friends and helping friends.”

Yes, we are vulnerable. Yes, we can be called to go home at an age, a place, and a time least expected. But, this sister made good use of her life, giving others the love, affirmation, and herself so others felt at home with others, with themselves, and most importantly, with God.

I don’t know if she had any regret before she left. But I do know many of us had the regret that we did not go to see her the minute we heard about her sickness. Yet, through it all, even in her memorial service, I was continued to be blessed by her life of loving and compassion.

As a Christian, we all know that death is not the end. It’s actually a door for us to that eternal blessing of being with our Lord and our loved ones. But, more than this, I think death can be a reminder and an encouragement that, though the timing of God is still unknown to us, the people around us are known to us. Our challenge is not how much time still left. Our challenge is how much are we doing with those around us.

Jesus’ life and death became the good news we are to preach to the end of the world. If we make the best use of ours, like this sister, our lives can be testimonies to this good news and, when that call comes to get us home, we will be able to leave a life to be thankful for and to be celebrated, too!

Prayer Request:
For those who are searching for a closure because they lost their loved ones to illness unknown

Prayers:

Gracious Lord, there are many things in life that we do not understand. But, we are thankful that, when the impact of losing a loved one seems to be overwhelming, You held us in Your arms, carried us through, and gave us strength to endure it. Please help us to remember those who mourn and to be moved by the Holy Spirit to bring Your comfort to them. This we pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Maker, A-men!

Dignity

Indeed I shall continue to rejoice, for I know that this will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain (Phil. 1:18b-21).

My father has been in the hospital for a week now, and it will likely be several more weeks before he can come home. Although he came through his hip surgery very well, the most difficult part of his recovery– physical therapy – is still ahead of him. It is hard to watch this man aging before me. When I was a child, I watched him fix anything and everything that was broken. My mother never had to call a plumber or electrician; Dad could fix it. He seemed to have the answer to any question I might ask and, like most children, I believed my Dad could do anything. It's hard to imagine that person now as I watch him struggle just to sit up on the edge of his bed, facing the prospect of having to learn to walk all over again.

Some would say he's been robbed of his dignity. And yet, it is exactly in such circumstances that the rest of us find our dignity in its purest form – that of giving of ourselves in service to another. At times, I’ve kind of envied the doctors and nurses as I’ve watched them in the critical care unit of the hospital. Their work has such an incredible and immediate impact on people. Sometimes they do extraordinary things like bringing a patient in "Code Blue" back from the brink of death. More often, though, they do little things like bringing patients an extra blanket, helping them eat, turning them in bed or bathing them. I believe that such acts truly mirror the dignity of God Himself. This same dignity has been given to us by our Creator who is mindful of us, and who has made us little less than a god, and crowned us with glory and honor (cf. Ps. 8:6).

Some people measure their self-worth - their "dignity" - by their accomplishments. Others put great stock in their pedigree, being born or marrying into the most well-to-do family possible. Dignity, though, is not found in riches or accomplishments, but rather in knowing who we are and, more importantly, knowing the One to whom we belong. Our true dignity is revealed when we assume the disposition of a servant in imitation of our Savior who did not come to be served but to serve (Mk. 10:45). It is this Suffering Servant, whom the prophet Isaiah foretold, who has called us to be His own, and has chosen us to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him (James 2:5).

Prayer Request: For the old and infirm, for the disabled and those who feel they have no worth or dignity.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have called us out of darkness into Your own wonderful light. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You. Help us to always remember that our dignity is given to us as Your gift and what You have given, no one can take from us. We ask this in the Name of Jesus, Our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Hanging On

Scripture: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

When you're a Christian long enough, you will often find scriptures you've read over and over eventually "come to life" with your life circumstances. The amazing thing about the bible is that it applied to life 2000 years ago and very much applies to life right now, today.

Time and again I have both been a witness to as well as experienced God guiding me and others through the most difficult times. It's always stressful and sometimes we feel unheard and forsaken by God in our greatest time of need. But as you continue to hang on for His response to your desperate petitions, He really does strengthen your faith, "stretch" you and grow you up in the meantime.

Adversity is actually beneficial to those of us with faith. How else does our faith grow but through times when we have to lean on God the most? After all, Olympians don't get into the best shape of their lives by sitting on the couch, watching TV and eating M&Ms night after night.

I've often heard God described as "The Eleventh Hour God". I didn't know what that meant until I experienced it myself, and have since then, watched others have to experience it themselves.

The "Eleventh Hour God" is when you are at the end of your rope, all your options seem to have run out, you're hanging on by a single fingernail, and just when you are about to let go and give up, God does an amazing thing. And the thing is .. He has never left me or my friends destitute, homeless, hungry. He has always come through. Our job is to hang onto Him and painstakingly wait.

So dear brothers and sisters - hang on. He WILL come through. Just hang on and know .. the "eleventh hour" is coming. "Do not fear .. do not be dismayed ... I will strengthen you and help you." This is God's promise to us. I've seen it happen myself.

Prayer: Lord, to those who are waiting for the eleventh hour, waiting to hear Your voice, for Your answer to their prayers, strengthen them, help them to hold on, give them hope for the future which you hold in Your mighty hands. Increase their faith, give them confidence that you will respond to their pleas. Amen

Prayer request: Help us each to hang onto the promise that you will never leave us or forsake us, as is stated in Your Word.

God's Voice

Scripture:
"Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." (John 12:28)

This is the third time recorded in the gospels that the Father spoke in an audible voice to or about Jesus (First, at Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River and second, at the transfiguration of Jesus).

This verse makes it clear that it was a voice that the Father spoke in; however, there were different reports of the same event. Some people heard a voice and thought it was an angel who spoke. Others thought it was thunder.

This illustrates "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14). A carnal man with a hardened heart will always find some natural explanation for the supernatural even if he heard an audible voice from God.

A hard heart keeps us from perceiving spiritual truths and stops us from understanding. When a person doesn't understand God's Word, Satan finds no resistance when he comes to steal it away. A hard heart keeps us from remembering. This isn't to say that facts or scriptures can't be recalled, it's the spiritual lessons learned that have been forgotten. Likewise, some people can quote scripture or remember what the sermon was about, but they can't perceive the spiritual life in it or retain what they did perceive, because of a hardened heart.Jesus didn't need to hear this audible voice of God because he had a more sure word of prophecy than the audible voice of God from heaven (2 Pet. 1:18-20).

Jesus knew the "voice" of the Old Testament scriptures that spoke of the Christ being glorified and He could also hear the Father's voice in His heart as He had on so many other occasions. This audible voice didn't come to reassure Jesus, but it came to those who had ears to hear, so that they might believe.

(http://www.awmi.net/devotion/jesus/sep_05)

Prayer:
Father in Heaven. Help us hear your voice in our Spirit. We desire to hear your voice and know your Will. Open up the Word of God to us and fill us Holy Spirit with the knowledge you want to teach us. Glorify your Son in our lives. In Jesus Name. Amen

Work in Process

Scriptures: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

Last Saturday, we had an installation service for our new pastor. Many pastors and leaders of churches in the area came to share that joyous occasion with us. One of the pastors who spoke to the congregation used the way Apostle Paul presented himself in his epistles to talk about how the congregation should handle our relationship with the pastor.

He pointed out that Paul seemed to have a two-fold role in mind whenever he wrote to the early churches then, a servant and an ambassador. For example, in the beginning of the book of Philippians, he called Timothy and himself, “servants of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:1) And, in the book of Ephesians, he called himself, “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” (Ephesians 1:1)

The speaker reminded us that the combination of these two images tells us that: First of all, the pastor is a servant to Christ Jesus, but not a servant at our commands. He is just like anyone of us, a human being, with limited time and energy and, when overloaded, can easily burn out. How true this is! How often have we tried to have the pastor work as if he’s there to serve us exclusively.

This lead to his second point, which was, the pastor was an ambassador from God. As such, he came with a mission defined by the One who sent him. We, as the flock to be shepherded by, should respect and honor this calling God has for His ambassador. Moreover, as the pastor was the ambassador from our Lord Jesus, we should help and support him so he could serve with dignity.

He concluded that, in order to have a fruitful ministry from this new pastoral relationship, setting the correct expectation for each other in this relationship is crucial. To this, I thought, “Isn’t it true for any relationship we have?”

Sometimes, I think we expect too much of a person, especially a spiritual leader. It could have been because of the office or position he/she holds in the church; it could have been because of certain ministries or deeds performed. In any case, we often look upon our leaders so high that it becomes unattainable for them. We expect them to be a “superman” who can do all things, sharing messages from God, visiting the elderly, the sick and the needy, training the co-workers, typing Sunday Service programs, fixing plumbing problems in the church, caring for the little children, conducting choirs, leading weekly bible studies, providing church long-term strategic planning, caring for homeless, providing transportation services to those who have no vehicles, and the list goes on and on.

All of these expectations were because he/she is a leader and should exemplify all these virtues. There’s really nothing wrong with any of these things. All of them are great and blissful things. But, we seem to forget that they are also just human beings, they need rest; they need encouragements; they need to have time with their Lord; they need to have time with their families; they need all these just like us. We forget that, just like us, they are God’s work-in-process. They may be more advanced in spiritual maturity, but a work-in-process nonetheless. Sometimes, I feel that we expect them to be God and do not allow them to be human.

We seem to forget that there is a reason why God prepares co-workers in the church. Co-workers are us, you and me. We are called to assist our leaders and support in every way, especially in prayers, so they can concentrate on the mission laid before them and complete them. This is also true of any relationship, be it marital, friendship, professional, parental, in-laws, or others. If we remember they are just human beings and are work-in-processes like us, we will do well to help them be the persons God wants them to be and, at the end, they can claim, just as Paul did, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:7)

I am convinced that is part of the reasons why church is here today!

Prayer Request:
For all pastors

Prayers:

Our loving Father, thank You for Your continuing leadership through Your faithful servants, our spiritual leaders. Help us to be understanding and sensitive to their needs as they strive to grow and lead all at the same time. We pray in the name of our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, A-men!

Safe Harbor

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon Him because He cares for you (1 Pt. 5:6-7).

Change is all around us these days and with that change comes a lot of uncertainty. The presidential election season is in full swing and a new administration will likely bring new ideas and ways of doing things. The potential impact on individuals, families and businesses is unknown at this time. People are worried about the current crisis in the stock market and housing industry, and wondering if their retirement plans are safe. Residents of the Caribbean and US states around the Gulf of Mexico are struggling to recover from the recent hurricanes. I even read a news report this morning stating that officials fear that many people who ignored evacuation orders may have been swept into the Gulf of Mexico.

Closer to home, three of our nieces are expecting children in October, November and December. Their homes are bustling with changes as they prepare to welcome the new arrivals. Two of them are first time mothers, wondering (not unexpectedly) what kind of parents they will be, if they be able to afford the bills and save money for college educations and all those other things that new parents think about.

In the midst of significant events like this, one thing is always certain: life will never be the same. We have a choice about how we react to the change that such events bring. Some people respond by worrying. Others immerse themselves in their work, or escape into various activities, both good and bad. When Hurricane Gustav struck a few weeks ago, and we started seeing the aftermath and destruction, a friend of mine remarked, “I don’t know how anyone gets through something like this without God.” We can stand firm on the promises of Christ. If God so clothes the grass of the field which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will He not much more provide for you? (Mt. 6:30) He may not always give us what we want, but he will always give us what we need.

At all times but even more so during these times of uncertainty, we must hold fast to Him who is our hope, and attend all the more to what we have heard, so that we may not be carried away (Heb.2:1) by worry about the turbulence all around us. Sometimes it is the very thing that brings out the best that God has placed in us. I have the strength for everything though Him who empowers me (Phil. 4:13).

Prayer Request: For those worried about the future, and for those affected by recent disasters.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we give thanks and praise for Your love and care for us. In times of trouble and uncertainty, help us to seek You in the midst of the storm, confident that you will never abandon us. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Dare to be vulnerable

Scripture: Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. (Psalm 26:2-3)

Some prayers in the bible, if you really think about them, are quite scary. Some prayers I find are powerful – and to really meditate on them and really consider what they are saying rather than just read through them quickly can truly deepen your walk and touch your heart.

Such I find with the above verse in Psalm 26. What does it mean to ask the Lord to test you, examine you? IS His love ever before you, Do you walk continually in His truth?

I want all the above to be so. But how scary is it to allow God into all the corners of your life? Shining the light on things even YOU are afraid to look at? But as with any relationship you have with anyone, the more vulnerable you become to someone who loves and accepts you, the deeper the love and appreciation you receive and extend.
The above scripture is both an invitation to God to search the deeper recesses of your heart, mind and soul, as well as a stated desire to ALLOW HIM TO DO SO – by allowing yourself to be vulnerable to Him. I mean, what the heck? Why not? He knows the number of hairs on your head, He created every cell in your being, he carefully formed you in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13).

The one wonderful thing I find about God is that you can’t surprise Him. He knows EVERYTHING. He knows stuff before it’s going to happen, and He’s in the midst of what is happening. You can’t shock Him with your secrets, you can’t offend Him with your confessions. What He wants is your heart .. clear of guilt and shame.

The above scripture is a challenge to each of us. Dare to allow Him into those deeper parts of you. He only wants to bring you forgiveness, comfort and peace. The result, you will be amazed, will be a deeper relationship with Him, and an deeper love for Him.

Prayer: Lord, help each of us to open our hearts to You, so You can bring peace and comfort, to bring healing to all those hurting places inside, to clean out any guilt or shame for past things that have happened. In doing so, help us to feel Your love and acceptance that only you can provide. Amen

Prayer request: Pray for release for those who are afraid to unload their burdens onto Christ, who can bring each of us freedom from the pain, shame and guilt we carry.

FAITH IS A MUSCLE

Scripture:
"But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet."
(Matthew 21:26)

Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." These men were seeking to snare Jesus in His words, but they couldn't because He was safely trusting in the Lord. It was easy for Jesus to "turn the tables on them" and catch them because they feared man (Jn. 5:44).

Jesus had already shown that all of their works were done so that they could be seen of men (Mt. 6:5). They were not really seeking to please God, but were doing all their religious works for the praise of men. It is totally vain for a man who is bound by the fear of man to try to intimidate a man whose trust is totally in the Lord.

When David fought Goliath (1 Sam. 17), everyone mocked him because of his belief that he could win. Goliath was a giant and he was only a small boy. But David said something very important in his defense. In 1 Samuel 17:34-37, David revealed that this was not the first time he had depended on God for a victory against something bigger than himself. He had already killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands. He KNEW he could defeat Goliath with God's help. Faith must be developed much like a muscle. Those who wait until the day of the contest to start training are going to lose. That's not the way it works in the natural or the spiritual.

What is life all about? What is the purpose of one's existence? What is to be gained in life? What do people live for? When we say "so and so" is my life, we mean that all of our attention, our focus, and our purpose for living, is directed towards and revolves around that person. In a similar way, we need to be totally consumed with Christ and His life. True life is only to be found in Christ. It is not to be found in prestige, fortune, fame, or things, but only in the one who is life - Jesus Christ.

(http://www.awmi.net/devotion/jesus/sep_15)

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you told us that if we had just the faith of a mustard seed we could command the mountain to move and it would obey. Lord, I want to see my mountains move. Your word says that I can speak it and it will move. In your name, I command the mountain to move. Thank you for the victory that you accomplished on Calvary. We surrender to your will Lord and believe what you said in your Word. We love you Lord. Amen

Blessed Assurance

Scriptures: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. (Philippians 1:21-26)

Fanny Crosby, the famous hymn writer from 1820 to 1915, was blind almost her entire life. Yet, she has never been bitter. In her first poem written at the age of 8, in the first verse, she wrote,

Oh, what a happy soul I am,
Although I cannot see!
Am resolved that in this world,
Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy,
That other people don’t,
To weep and sigh because I’m blind,
I cannot, and I won’t!

One time, a well-meaning preacher said to her, “I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when he showered so many other gifts upon you.” Fanny responded at once that, “Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind?” The preacher replied with surprise, “Why?” The poet responded by saying, “Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”

Though physically blind at the age of six weeks, her spiritual vision was better than 20-20. Over her life-time, she wrote more than 8000 hymns. Her love and passion for Christ, her Savior, leaped out of the pages she penned and moved so many closer to their Lord and Savior, the one so dear to her heart.

How is it that the days of a blind can be so much brighter than that of a person whose vision is not impaired? How is it that the one who has not can be so much more joyful that the ones who have? I think the answer is simple. Jesus was at the center of her life! She would keep that focus at all cost, even paying the price of losing vision is worthwhile. Her response to the well-meaning preacher reminded me of what Apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

It’s simple and, yet, it’s so powerful. Fanny or Paul, their lives were characterized by the presence of our Lord Jesus and were filled with joy that we desire so much. As we long for the blessed joy in life, we may have forgotten this simple yet critical key to joy, keep Jesus in the center of our lives. He has promised that wherever He is, we will be also.

One of my favorite hymns written by Ms. Crosby was “Blessed Assurance”,

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

(Refrain)
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angeles descending bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whisper of love.
(Refrain)

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
(Refrain)

May we all live in and out of this blessed assurance!

Prayer Request:
For those who are not sure if they are children of God

Prayers:

Dear God, thank You for making us Your children. Help us to live our lives in ways that honor this identity we have in Your Son Jesus. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, our Redeemer, A-men!

Encourage one another

Scripture: “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” (Hebrews 3:12-14)

Football season is in full swing, and I’m a huge football fan, particularly the NFL.

On Monday, as I watched one of the games, I thought to myself, these guys really have to hold each other up to a high standard to be on the team. They practice together, go over playbooks, sit in a classroom setting with the coaches, coaches work one on one with them, they encourage each other, they hone their skills and they work out with each other. When the kicker misses his mark, when the quarterback throws an interception, or someone fumbles the ball and the other team gets it, you will see teammates patting them on the back as they come off the field with head hanging low. When one of them gets injured, they comfort the wounded until the physician on hand comes to their aide. If it is serious enough – I have seen every player on both sides of the field kneel down on one knee, hold hands and bow their heads in prayer for the seriously injured team mate.

So how does football relate to the above scripture? There are no "Lone Ranger" Christians. Oh, they are out there, sure. But it is a much harder life. Just as there is no lone football players, surrounding ourselves with like minded believers helps us to stay on track, to walk the walk.

There is something valuable about living in the world, but then coming “off the field” into the arms of other Christian believers who can lift you up in prayer and encourage you to keep going. There is value in studying scripture together, holding each other accountable, confessing and repenting of sin together. When we fall, we lift each other up. When one of us backslides, there is always someone to catch us, to come along side and ask, “Hey, what’s going on? Why have you made these decisions?” It’s something we can not obtain when we are by ourselves.

I have had a busy week, so I didn’t have a chance to prepare this blog ahead of time. I had a concept of what I wanted to write about, but I couldn’t find just the right scripture. A friend of mine helped me in my time of need. (Thank you, Jeanine!) This is a true example of being able to rely on each other for growth and encouragement!

The above scripture speaks to me, because it is so easy to fall away from God, and slip into the world, with worldly attitudes and decisions, leading to a “hardened heart”. But when I stick close to my friends, my church, my pastors, I find it is easier to “walk the walk” and stay on track with whatever God has for me.

To those of you who have encouraged me with emails, blog comments, or spoken to me personally during these first few blogs I have written, thank you so much. I am encouraged and blessed more than you know. It all helps me to remain close to God as I try to live a life worthy of being called “Christian”.

Prayer: Lord, it is so easy to fall away from You and go back to leading our own, sorry lives. Help each of us to stick close to you, and to stick close to our brothers and sisters for the support and encouragement we all need. When we witness one in our ranks slipping, help us to boldly reach out to see what’s up, lend a hand, come along side and listen. Help each of us to remain in close community with each other so we don’t ever stray too far.

Prayer request: Pray for opportunities to pull in a brother or sister that is trying to lead a “Lone Ranger” life as a Christian. Pray that their hearts will be open to being taken in and surrounded by like minded believers.

Do Not Limit God

I went to a bible conference this weekend and one of the things they gave me was the following in the form of a vinyl sticker that you can put on your mirror or car window.

I thought I would share it will you today, so if you liked it you could print it.

The Bridge

Scriptures: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:13-14)

I heard a story about a ferry boat that broke down just 6 feet away from its destination dock. The problem became worse because, for some unknown reason, the water was filling the ferry boat quickly. Many passengers jumped into the ocean to swim to the dock as it was only 6 feet away. But there were some little children on board who did not know how to swim. They and their parents were anxious and fearful, crying for help.

The water was filling the boat quickly. The situation turned desperate. At that moment, a man with a height of 6’4” took action. He laid himself between the ferry boat and the deck, with his feet on the boat and his hands grabbing the rope on the dock. He became a bridge and asked the little children to walk ashore over him. Though scared at first, with the help of adults on both sides, all children were saved and their parents were able to go ashore safely also.

This is an amazing story. In a panic and desperate situation, this man was willing to risk his own life and, more than that, was sensitive to the inability of the little ones to cross that 6 feet gap and offered himself as the solution to their dilemma. He was the reason those children could be safely ashore.

I don’t know who this man was. But he reminded me of our Lord Jesus for there is a huge and unbridgeable gap between us and our heavenly Father. Like those children, we are totally incapable of crossing this gap on our own, as Paul put it, “…at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12)

But Jesus came to lay down His life for us to pay for the demand of righteousness of God and offered Himself as the solution to our dilemma on the cross. He bridged the gap between us and God and He bridged the gaps among us, too. Without Him, we will still be struggling and suffering in the great turmoil of sin.

As we enjoy our eternal identify as the children of God and our fellowship in this divine family of God, let’s not forget that Jesus was the bridge that brought us here and that there are many more who have yet to know this bridge through cross. They are still kept away from these eternal blessings by this “dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14) and are still searching for meanings and directions in life. They need Jesus!

Let’s introduce them to our Lord Jesus, the only bridge that can take them safely across to the shore of the glorious Kingdom of God for it was His purpose “to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.” (Ephesians 2:15-16)

Prayer Request:
For passengers without hope in this ferry boat called life

Prayers:
Father God, You know, in this life, there are conflicts; there are tensions; there are hurts; there are disappointments; there are betrayals, and so much more that cause people to drift away from You. We ask that You sanctify us and make us bold to go out and introduce Your Son, our Lord Jesus, to them so they may stop drifting in the turmoil in life and come ashore Your riches in glory. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus who made all these possible, Amen!

Hope Abides

For all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, and the flower wilts; but the word of the Lord remains forever (1 Pt. 1:24-25).

Last week, there was a terrible automobile accident on the main street in my town that took the lives of four young people, and the unborn child of one. The father of the unborn child, who was also a passenger in the car, is still hospitalized in critical condition. Three of the young people who perished were siblings. Having buried two granddaughters, I can empathize with the families, although it is hard to get my head around the idea of losing all of your children at the same time. Our community will never forget this terrible tragedy – nor should we. It was heartening to see so many citizens gather for a vigil at the accident site, to come together and put aside differences to pray for and remember those whose lives were cut so tragically short.

The horrific images we saw on the local news that night have given me pause and caused me to reflect on just how fragile this life of ours is, and how ultimately it is not really ours. St. Paul reminds us that none of us lives as his own master, and no one dies as his own master. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's (Rom. 14:7-8).

I’ve found myself holding my husband more tightly than I did before, and making sure to tell my family and friends that I love them whenever we speak. I would encourage all of you to do the same. We have our loved ones with us for such a short time, and how awful it would be if our last words to them were anything but edifying.

My prayer for the families and friends of the young people I spoke of earlier is that, in the midst of their grief, they will find the light of hope, the kind of hope that does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Rom. 5:5). Healing from such a loss as this is never easy. Without God, I am convinced it is impossible. I don’t know what He has in store for these families or for the larger community. But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent; they are renewed each morning, so great is His faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. (Lam. 3:22-24).

Oh yes, and one more thing: I love you all!

Prayer Request: For all those grieving the loss of loved ones.

Prayer: O Lord, our God, You have promised to be with us always, until the end of the world. We trust in Your abiding presence even in the midst of the evil that is all around us. We beg Your infinite mercy on those who have died. Grant comfort to those who mourn them, and help us who remain to prepare ourselves well, so that we are ready whenever You call us to come home to You. We make this prayer through Him who is our Hope, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tongue: Friend or Foe?

Psalm 34:13 "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."

Proverbs 10:19 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."

Ever said something to one or two people .. maybe even a room full of people, and wished you could take it back?

That happened to me recently, and I am still a bit haunted by it. I’m also a bit angry with myself, because I can be so impulsive sometimes – like most of you readers out there. Stuff will fly out of our mouths and instantly we get a check in our spirit, and you realize, “that was so wrong.” Yeah, something just like that happened to me.

Yes, I’ve repented many times since, but I'm having a hard time letting it go. But the incident has also taken me back to the scriptures about the tongue being an instrument of peace – or a weapon. And who do I want to reflect? Christ? Or not?

I couldn’t find the two scriptures I wanted. I don’t’ know if any of you have tried out www.biblegateway.com, but it is a wonderful resource to finding particular passages in the bible, or even word searches and commentaries, and you can look things up in just about any version of the bible, including other languages.

In my word search, I found out the bible has PLENTY to say about the tongue .. and it can be used for good, to heal, to proclaim the Good News, to rejoice. And it can be used for harm: tell lies, to slander, or for deceit.

We all mess up, and I know I've been forgiven of my mistake. But my consequence is that I am moved to ask forgiveness of those who were present when I cut loose - and to set the record straight about what I said, which was unkind in nature.

But the incident was certainly a wake up call for me. When I get lazy, when I passively seek God in the mornings, "Hey God, give me a good day." and am silent the remainder of the day, what kind of honor is that? When I don't read scripture to remain close to God .. it shows!!

So ... I'm hoping to correct my error, learn from it .. and move on.

There is something to be said about the tongue being the strongest muscle in the body. And it is connected to a brain superior to all animals on the earth.

Use it wisely!!! 8-)

Prayer request: For all of us to remember that we are a reflection of Christ. We are being watched and listened to by both believers and non-believers. What kind of message do you want to send to those around you?

Prayer: Lord, help us to learn from our mistakes, not only with our language, but in our actions and impressions we leave on others. Help us all to be better images of who YOU are. Help us to be better mirrors of You. Amen

The Word

Scripture: Psalm 119

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%20119;&version=46;

My desire to have more faith and to be able to "move mountains" (Matt. 17:20) continues to grow. I come back to the same verses, "faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the Word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17) and "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6). From this I have begun to saturate myself with Psalm 119 with the intent of filling me up with the Word.

To do this I first started listening to this Psalm in the King James Version (KJV). Then I listened to it in the New International Version (NIV). After that, I began listening to it in the Contemporary English Version (CEV). Yes, I said listen it, at www.biblegateway.com. Over the last couple of years this website and at www.crosswalk.com have been two of the most useful websites when it comes to helping me look for and study the Word of God. At Biblegateway, I find it very helpful in changing between versions when I am studying a particular passage and listening to the that passage. At Crosswalk I do my most of my searching and original meaning research.

Then I recorded in mp3 format each of the 22 sections of 8 verses which I understand represent the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. (tell me if I am wrong here.) Now the idea is to put them on my iPod and listen to them over and over and over again. Why?

So that "thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God (v. 11)

So that I may "walk in the path of God's commandments" (v. 35)

"So that I will have an answer for him who reproaches me. (v. 42)

So that God's "statutes will be my songs" (v. 54)

So that ...

You read Psalm 119 many times now. You will find yourself doing the same thing.

Hallelujah for the Word of God

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your Word. Teach us and fill us with your Word, Lord. Open up our eyes so that we can see. Open our hearts so that we will love. Make us usable and use us dear Jesus. Amen